Astrology of Today – April 27, 2016

The Moon is in Capricorn all day (until Friday, April 29th, at 4:46 AM).

The Moon is in its Waning Gibbous phase.

A Full Moon occurred on the 22nd, and a Last Quarter Moon will occur on April 29th.

Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow (Mercury will retrograde from April 28-May 22).

Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from April 17-June 29).

Times are EDT

Horoscopes

Aries

Aries

The Sun in your solar second house these days tends to keep you focused on building comfort and security in your life, dear Aries, but Mars’ presence in your adventure sector pushes a completely different button – it can stir up big needs, plans, and desires that have nothing to do with routine and stability. Today, these planets clash, and this dilemma can come into the foreground of your life. Avoid letting this inner tension rule your behavior. Today’s energies are quite strong for productive work if you are able to focus. In fact, you bring an inspired approach to whatever work you do now.

Taurus

Taurus

You may spend some time thinking about the past today, which is fine, dear Taurus, but avoid dwelling on it. Regret should be a fleeting feeling – something that you use to motivate yourself to avoid repeating past patterns that didn’t work out for you, not something that consumes you or takes you away from the moment. In fact, with the Sun in your sign these days, you are ready to start fresh on many levels, but with Mars retrograde in your intimacy sector, there are times like today when you feel the need to ruminate or process recent events. Finding a good balance is the tricky part, and helping you out is the Moon’s presence in your future-oriented adventure sector all day.

Gemini

Gemini

Although it’s a very tough thing for most people to do, dear Gemini, taking the high road and lifting oneself above needless arguments and defensive stances is something that can benefit you greatly today. There are nitpicky energies with us now, and employing patience and tact will go a long way towards having a satisfying day. Competing energies for you today tend to be whether to honor a need for personal space or to be with someone one-on-one. Avoid stressing over the little things. Delays can be frustrating today, but they also give us time to think things through.

Cancer

Cancer

You may not be in agreement with friends or associates today, dear Cancer, about how to best move forward your personal and professional goals. Values seem to clash. There can also be competing interests and moods, largely because a good part of you wants to socialize and the other part wants to get back on track and organized. Breathe through disagreements and keep a professional attitude. Some work projects may be stalling, but you have a chance to rework projects that require fine tuning. There is generally flowing energy otherwise, which helps lift your mood above smaller frustrations.

Leo

Leo

You may have a hard time with competing energies today, dear Leo, stirring up some tension. On the one hand, a romance or creative project may not be moving at the speed you’d like or requires more attention now, and on the other, the drive to produce and perform is strong. Try not to let this drive irritable or tense behavior. Your best bet is to be moderate on both fronts, dividing your time. It can be difficult finding a direct route to your desires now, but exercising patience will help reveal a channel that needs more time to unfold.

Virgo

Virgo

The Sun in your adventure sector these days can stimulate setting your sights high, as well as an urge to push your usual bounds in order to enjoy more life experiences, dear Virgo. However, Mars in your home and family sector presents a drive to stay close to home and pursue goals that make you feel more secure. Today, this dilemma can feel stronger with the Sun and Mars forming an awkward angle. Your desires and agenda are pulling you in different directions, and this can cause quite a bit of tension, leaving you on edge. However, the Moon in harmony with the Sun and Jupiter in your sign today can help pull you out of a funk. Creatively speaking, you’re in fine form.

Libra

Libra

More thought put into how you phrase questions as well as your tone is important today, dear Libra, lest you come across as suspicious or accusing. You may instigate without even realizing you’re doing so. In truth, you could be feeling two very different drives that are competing with one another – one to dig deep and to gain more intimacy, and another to skim the surface of things and keep things light. This can confuse others and frustrate you. Look for ways to channel excess energy constructively. You may not find a balance exactly, but avoid thinking it has to be one or the other, as repressing needs doesn’t usually work out well.

Scorpio

Scorpio

There can be a tendency today to focus on what’s not working rather than what is in your relationships today, dear Scorpio, and this is fine to an extent, but taken too far, it is counter-productive. If you are encountering this energy from a significant someone in your life, try to steer conversations to the positive. Additionally, if a direct route to your desires is not working or doesn’t seem possible, develop strategies, but avoid roundabout routes that you won’t be comfortable with, ultimately. You may simply need some extra personal space today, even though you do crave company. There are ways to have both, if you can manage it. Friendships tend to flow nicely and happily today.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

You can quite easily trip over yourself as you may experience a conflict between will and performance, dear Sagittarius. How to direct the extra energy you have now can be an issue. Try to relax and don’t push things that are better left to run their natural course. On the one hand, you may want to strike out on your own and leave plans open, and on the other, there is a strong desire or need to take care of your routines. You have a stronger ability today to think more deeply and to consider all angles, but try not to take this tendency to greater lengths than is necessary and healthy.

Capricorn

Capricorn

With the Sun in your creative, romantic, and playful solar fifth house these days, dear Capricorn, the need to let your hair down, share yourself confidently, and enjoy yourself is strong and very valid. However, Mars in your solar twelfth house can keep you focused on the past or your inner world – and this is another valid need these days. Guilt can undermine your confidence today if you let it, and it can also be an underlying issue in strange behaviors of others right now, even if it’s disguised. Sometimes people treat you poorly because they are unhappy with themselves, and this may happen today. Try to avoid harping on inconsequential matters. Look for a middle ground. The Moon in your sign all day is harmonizing with happy, enterprising Jupiter, increasing the chances that you can rise above any inner restlessness stimulated now.

Aquarius

Aquarius

Competing needs for attention to family, home, or personal matters and needs for some impartiality and pressure-free socializing can be at the heart of tensions felt today, dear Aquarius. Sticking with familiar things, people, and situations is a valid need these days with the Sun in your solar fourth house, but Mars in your social sector is certainly stimulating a need for a little more freedom, new horizons, and different experiences. If you’re on the fence in this way and not finding a direct solution easily, you might get worked up over small matters. You can be more protective of your culture and beliefs or habits now, and this may lead to a disagreement. Even so, this kind of dilemma can be approached mindfully and you might decide to tap into the excellent energy with you now for putting something from the past behind you and for feeling confident enough to quit a bad habit.

Pisces

Pisces

When goals and projects stall, dear Pisces, it can be frustrating, but delays can also serve us well in the long-term, as they can give us time to rework or rethink matters. The direction you need to take may not be clear at the moment, so concentrate on what you do best and keep working hard at it. A stronger sense of direction will eventually come, and when it does, you won’t have wasted energy being frustrated in the meantime. With the Sun and Mars in an awkward angle, inner tensions about where to direct our energy can lead to irritability. Protect your interests, for certain, but recognize when you need to let go or walk away if others are pushing your buttons. One-on-one relationships fare best today.

The Details:

If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are some of the factors considered in the forecasts (for the astrology of the week, see This Week in Astrology):

Date & Time: 27 Apr 2016 0:00 am
Event: Moon in Capricorn
Description: The Moon in Capricorn
Consolidate. Pay attention to the foundations of life. Repair and restructure. Attend to financial or business matters. Make solid plans and get organized.

Date & Time: 27 Apr 2016 5:11 am
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Cer
Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Ceres
There can be conflicts with loved ones, or we could be feeling unsupported. People could seem insensitive or uncaring, or our own needs seem to be at odds with the needs of family and friends.

Date & Time: 27 Apr 2016 8:37 am
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Ves
Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Vesta
We can be a little stiff with our emotions, and we can be distracted from our work or focus. There can be difficulty expressing tenderness, concern, or care.

Date & Time: 27 Apr 2016 10:53 am
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Sun
Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Sun
There is a nice feeling of harmony and a cooperative feel to this time. Better decision making. We represent ourselves well now. It’s easier to attract support, favorable responses, and positive experiences. We are less fearful and less defensive. This is a harmonious time.

Date & Time: 27 Apr 2016 12:23 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Mer
Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Mercury
What feels right clashes with logic today. What people are saying may be a misrepresentation of their true feelings/emotions. It’s better to think before we speak, or misunderstandings can follow.

Date & Time: 27 Apr 2016 5:56 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Nep
Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Neptune
This is a feel-good time if we allow ourselves to relax and tune into the subtle aspects of life – art, nature, beauty, dreams, and spiritual realms. We absorb things easily, our senses are in good form, and we more naturally accept things and people as they are. There is no need to look for definite answers right now.

Date & Time: 27 Apr 2016 9:45 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Jup
Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Jupiter
We want to do good and to honor our inner code. We don’t sweat the small stuff right now. We are generous with our energy, time, and money. A great time to take up new feel-good opportunities. Show your confidence and optimism and reap the rewards.

EARTH STRONG
We are especially in touch with the physical world. We consider what we’ve learned and experienced in the past in order to make the most of the present. We can be cautious, practical, and possibly unimaginative. We are deliberate and can pace ourselves well. We need hands-on experience and are not impressed with theory as much as we are with results. Routines are tolerable and comforting.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
WATER WEAK
There may be some insensitivity or lack of empathy now. We may be out of touch with what we’re feeling or with our emotional needs. We may be tougher than usual now, and more inclined to follow mental or practical considerations than we are to listen to our intuition.

BALANCE OF MODES

The modes are balanced.

LUNAR PHASE: DISSEMINATING
Moon 135 to 90 degrees behind the Sun.
Sharing our knowledge with the world is a major motivation at this stage. We believe we have gained much knowledge and wisdom through our experiences, and want to ensure others have the benefit as well.

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on April 27th:

Note that when an aspect is applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected, or will perfect, in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies.

Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours, so that if an aspect involving is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today).

**I suggest paying close attention to applying aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect involving inner planets has happened, it’s over. Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences involving inner planets, which pass quickly, and not natal astrology aspects, which are with us for a lifetime).

THE MOON

THE MOON IN CAPRICORN
You feel secure when life is structured, or you are working hard. You may be emotionally distant or cold. You mother’s love may be limited in some way. Your mother may have been strict or cold.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON
TRINE THE SUN Orb 0°32′ Separating
We are supportive, cooperative, open, genuine, and more relaxed than usual.

TRINE JUPITER Orb 5°07′ Applying
We can be motivated to honor our inner code. We don’t sweat the small stuff right now. We are generous with our energy, time, and money. A great time to take up new feel-good opportunities. Show your confidence and optimism and reap the rewards.

SEXTILE NEPTUNE Orb 3°05′ Applying
This is a feel-good time if we allow ourselves to relax and tune into the subtle aspects of life – art, nature, beauty, dreams, and spiritual realms. We absorb things easily, our senses are in good form, and we more naturally accept things and people as they are. There is no need to look for definite answers right now.

CONJUNCTION PLUTO Orb 9°06′ Applying
Deeper feelings emerge. Emotional extremes can be experienced now. This can be a time that we crave or recognize the need for an overhaul – a deep, lasting change.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN TAURUS
You are a reliable and solid individual. You have a strong need for stable routine and security. You can be stubborn. Others can rely on your down-to-earth nature.

8TH DEGREE OF TAURUS
Part of Body: Cervical nerves
Sabian Symbol: A sleigh without snow.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN
QUINCUNX MARS Orb 0°26′ Applying
You have difficulty getting the drive to achieve your goals. You find the motivation one moment and then the next you are onto something else. The challenge is to use your willpower so that you can achieve success.

TRINE JUPITER Orb 5°39′ Applying
There can be a nice, healthy feeling of optimism and confidence now. We might promote, publish, advertise, or market with greater success. We are generous and tolerant, giving people the benefit of the doubt, expecting the best from others and from ourselves. We can see the big picture.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY
SEXTILE CHIRON Orb 0°09′ Applying
There is more sensitivity to what is communicated, and how it’s communicated. We are looking at things in a more holistic way.

VENUS

VENUS IN ARIES
You will pursue a partner ardently and hastily, and yet strive for freedom and independence, once you are in an intimate relationship. You like to be the initiator in relationships, and can be aggressive. You may be a spendthrift.

28TH DEGREE OF ARIES
Part of Body: Fornix/parietal and occipital bones
Sabian Symbol: A large disappointed audience.

ASPECTS OF VENUS
CONJUNCTION URANUS Orb 5°38′ Separating
You are determined to be recognised as an individual within your personal relationships. You will not allow anyone to curb your sense of freedom. You tend to get bored and restless in traditional relationships. You want fun, spontaneity and intellectual stimulation from your partners.

MARS

MARS IN SAGITTARIUS
You are an inspirational leader, and have a strong desire for exploration and adventure. You may be one-pointed in your desires.

9TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS
Part of Body: Right lymphatic vessels
Sabian Symbol: A mother with her children on stairs.

ASPECTS OF MARS
SQUARE NEPTUNE Orb 3°11′ Separating
This is a time for resting, escaping, or taking a break as we reconsider our needs. We might temporarily lose focus or direction.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN VIRGO
You have a strong desire to be of service, and high religious or spiritual ideals. You may also have an obsession with detailed perfection.

14TH DEGREE OF VIRGO
Part of Body: Cystic arteries
Sabian Symbol: A family tree.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER
SQUARE SATURN Orb 2°03′ Applying
We are faced with the need to temper our enthusiasm or to slow down to avoid overextending ourselves. This is a time for clarifying and editing projects and goals. We may need to cut back on something in order to grow in another area. Patience is required now.

OPPOSITION NEPTUNE Orb 2°01′ Applying
We may be misled easily under this influence–by others, or by our own unrealistic or inflated expectations. Routine seems to be particularly unsatisfying now, as we are inclined to want to find more meaning in what we’re doing.

TRINE PLUTO Orb 3°59′ Separating
You are enthusiastic about so many things, and have ambition to succeed. You naturally find yourself in leadership positions and react well to them.

CONJUNCTION THE NORTH NODE Orb 7°06′ Applying
Your current life challenge is to embrace adventure. You may find yourself in situations which inspire you to see the big picture. Inspiring others, possibly through preaching or teaching, may be part of your life’s destiny. Benevolent groups may also play a key role.

SATURN

SATURN IN SAGITTARIUS
Saturn in Sagittarius asks us to take on the responsibility of living according to our personal truths and principles, and to be loyal to these. This is a time for turning a critical eye to those beliefs and principles that don’t accurately reflect our authentic selves. (December 23, 2014 to June 14, 2015, then September 17, 2015 to December 20, 2017)

ASPECTS OF SATURN
TRINE URANUS Orb 5°55′ Separating
You have a talent for investigation. You look at new ideas and are able then to put them into action. In business you achieve much in your own independent way.

SQUARE NEPTUNE Orb 4°04′ Applying
Some feelings of disillusionment can come now as our dreams and ideals can be put to the test. Questioning our faith in our dreams can lead to lack of follow-through or wasteful activities and avoidance of responsibilities. Ideally, this crisis leads to a realignment of material goals and spiritual ideals as we assess what is truly meaningful to us.

URANUS

URANUS IN ARIES
The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong during this cycle. (May 27, 2010 to August 13, 2010, then March 11th, 2011 to May 15, 2018, then November 6, 2018 to March 6, 2019).

22ND DEGREE OF ARIES
Part of Body: Cheek muscles
Sabian Symbol: The gate to the garden of desire.

ASPECTS OF URANUS
SQUARE PLUTO Orb 3°59′ Separating
A time for making sweeping changes and for adapting to changes in order to progress. This is a time for revising, altering, overhauling, and purging. We can experience tension, fear, and pressure, but also a sense of liberation from over-attachments and situations that have been holding us back from growth.

NEPTUNE

NEPTUNE IN PISCES
A long-term influence in which fantasy, imagination, compassion, and spirituality are in stronger focus. (April 4, 2011 to August 4, 2011, then February 3, 2012 to March 30, 2025, then October 22, 2025 to January 26, 2026)

12TH DEGREE OF PISCES
Part of Body: Plantar artery of right foot
Sabian Symbol: An examination of initiates.

PLUTO

PLUTO IN CAPRICORN
Tests of our boundaries; breaking down and rebuilding structures and rules. (From January 25, 2008 to June 14, 2008, then November 26, 2008 to March 23, 2023, then June 11, 2023 to January 20, 2024, then September 1, 2024 to November 19, 2024).

18TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN
Part of Body: Ligaments of right knee
Sabian Symbol: The union jack flies from a new british destroyer.
CHIRON

CHIRON IN PISCES
Strong awareness of our own vulnerabilities and humanity stimulates compassion for others. (April 20 to July 20, 2010, then February 8, 2011 to April 17, 2018, then September 25, 2018 to February 18, 2019).

24TH DEGREE OF PISCES
Part of Body: Right distal tibio-fibular joint
Sabian Symbol: An inhabited island.

ASPECTS OF CHIRON
CONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE Orb 3°07′ Separating
You have a tendency to become stuck in a mire of self-pity, seeing only the pain and suffering in life. You need to develop the caring and sensitive side of your nature for the good of others.

VESTA

VESTA IN TAURUS
You have the ability to work in a stable and persistent manner. You are committed to working in a comfortable and predictable manner. You need to avoid becoming inflexible.

PALLAS IN PISCES
You have a meditative mind, the ability to merge in your mind with the universe. You desire to heal the world through words, and may be involved in some form of artistic expression.

1ST DEGREE OF PISCES
Part of Body: Right calcaneum
Sabian Symbol: A public market.

JUNO

JUNO IN SCORPIO
You want an intense and sexual relationship. You want your partner’s total attention and demand a high degree of sensuality.

8TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO
Part of Body: Scrotum, left Fallopian tube
Sabian Symbol: The moon shining across a lake.

CERES

CERES IN ARIES
You feel cared for when people are allowing you to be independent. You also believe that the best way of caring for others is to let them be themselves. You will suffer if you feel dominated or caged in.

5TH DEGREE OF ARIES
Part of Body: The eyes, left and right
Sabian Symbol: A triangle with wings.

THE NORTH NODE

THE NORTH NODE IN VIRGO
This is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

THE SOUTH NODE IN PISCES
This is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

21ST DEGREE OF PISCES
Part of Body: Left fibula muscle
Sabian Symbol: A little white lamb, a child and a servant.